By Adam Roberts – 2/3/2021
One of the most integral players to the “Bomba Squad” in Minnesota will be returning to the Twin Cities next year.
Big bopper and fan favorite Nelson Cruz has re-signed with the Twins on a one-year, 13-million dollar deal. Despite turning 40 during the pandemic shortened season, Cruz still produced at a level many wouldn’t have achieved in a normal year; his .303 batting average, 16 home runs, 33 RBIs, and career-high OPS of 169 earned him a sixth place finish in the AL MVP vote. Back in 2019, despite dealing with numerous injury problems, he still hit 41 dingers and 108 RBIs.
The Twins still have work to do on their free agent list before spring training starts up later this month. Despite bringing back Cruz and signing starter J.A. Happ from the Yankees, the team lost reliever Trevor May to the Mets, outfielder Eddie Rosario to the Indians, and catcher Alex Avila to the Nationals. Pitcher Jake Odorizzi’s future in Minnesota is still unknown, with a market value of around 14 million dollars, while the same uncertainly applies to third baseman Marwin Gonzalez and reliever Sergio Romo.